Connection

Whether a cancer patient or survivor, people can find relief in local classes designed to help them reconnect with their bodies through various practices.

Christus St. Vincent Holistic Health and Wellness Center offers Tai Chi, Qigong and yoga classes tailored to people struggling with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Sunny Smyth teaches Qigong, which she said is a marriage of slow, meditative movements with the yi, or intent of the mind, drawing forth the latent powers in the organs to calm or pacify them.

“One of the unique qualities of Qigong is its focus on healing from illness. Qigong repeats smaller movements alongside imagery to move energy in meditative ways, Smyth said.

“It’s one way that they are empowered to heal themselves,” Smyth said. “There can be a lot of healing in holding one’s emotions in a sacred container and moving the energy.”

While Smyth said Qigong may resonate more with people actively in cancer treatment, different yoga classes at the center tailor to patients and survivors alike.

Lisa Gulotta teaches yoga for cancer survivors at the center as well as a chair yoga class at Genoveva Chavez Community Center that is especially helpful for people at risk of developing lymphedema. She said many cancer survivors experience chronic physical and mental conditions after treatment that can be helped with yoga.

“They have the opportunity to get reacquainted with their body and learn to listen to what it is asking for.” Gulotta said.

In her classes, Gulotta said she works with limitations caused by chemotherapy or surgeries and targets cancer-specific pains and issues. A gentle inversion such as legs up the wall can lower blood pressure and help sleep, she said, adding how a little twisting can activate the digestion.

Cynthia Nero is a breast cancer survivor and teaches yoga for cancer patients. She said yoga classes at the holistic center are designed to be restorative with gentle movements and meditation. On top of that, they provide a sense of hope and peace.

“It has a therapeutic benefit,” Nero said. “Practicing yoga in a group setting with people going through the same thing as you can be very supportive and actually empowering.”

For more information: Classes are $10 for community members and $5 for current or former patients at the Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center. Equipment is provided. Class schedules can be found at https://www.christushealth.org. Lisa Gulotta: http://www.lisagulotta.com/